Caught Testing: 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder

Hybrid-powered Porsche supercar looks ready to race.

The 2014 Porsche Spyder will be a technological and performance tour de force when it arrives next year, powered by a combination of a mid-mounted V-8 and two electric motors up front. The combined power output could approach 800 horsepower, and the top speed should easily break the 200-mph barrier. So maybe it should come as no surprise to see this 918 Spyder prototype, recently caught testing on a German racetrack, wearing some racing-inspired camouflage. The matte black paintjob and contrasting white stripes look awesome and, from these photos, the production version of the 918 Spyder appears almost identical to the concept first seen at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

The specs of the 918 Spyder are pretty incredible, even before you learn the production model could return upwards of 70 mpg, and that it will have an electric-only driving mode. That's right, the 918 can run for approximately 15-20 miles via twin electric motors fed power by a lithium-ion battery pack. So if you're running a quick errand, the 918 Spyder is as eco-friendly as a plug-in Prius, Chevrolet Volt or Nissan Leaf EV. Just make certain your speed doesn't exceed 93 mph, otherwise the 4.6-liter V-8 will spring into action. Not that we'd mind, considering the engine delivers roughly 570 bhp. Working in conjunction with the electric motors, the 918 Spyder can vary power to the front and rear axles as needed, while providing neck-snapping 0-60 runs of less than 3 seconds.

There is so much technology packed into this 2-passenger convertible, you almost forget that Porsche wrapped it all in one fearsomely seductive shape. Carbon fiber is used extensively in the chassis and body, to boost economy and performance while keeping overall curb weight to an absolute minimum. The same build method was used in the Carrera GT, Porsche's last mid-engine hyperexotic that ended production in 2006. The two cars share more than a passing resemblance, despite the 7 years that will separate them.

Be sure to note how the exhaust on this 918 prototype exits the car from on top of the engine bay, just aft of the cabin. This could have been done to keep hot exhaust gases away from the batteries and any sensitive electronic parts. To our eyes, it has the added benefit of giving the rear of the car one of the most menacing designs we've seen in a long time. It's enough to make a Cylon fall in love – come on, all you sci-fi geeks, you know what I'm talking about. Priced at $845,000, first deliveries of the 918 Spyder should begin in late 2013.